For those who asked about fitness events, included here is information that is supplied by Fitness America Pageant, of which 2001 is their twelth season. Here is a summary about the Fitness America Pageant. The Fitness America Pageant is America's Premier Women's Fitness Event. In 1989, the Fitness America Pageant began as a national event for women who wanted to compete in an athletic competition in the fitness arena, but were beyond their high school or collegiate years. It was designed to provide a competitive and enjoyable experience for contestants, and one worthy of national recognition. It is the most recognized event of its type. This year, the Fitness American Pageant will host regional Pageants throughout the country. Nearly 100 sanctioned events will be held and 20 international events. Qualifications Contestants must be at least 18 years of age and in excellent health. To qualify to compete in the Fitness America Pageant ESPN National Championship, you must enter and compete in any of the regional Pageants held throughout America this year or in the ESPN2 Saturday Night Series. The Top 5 at each regional and the winner at each of the fifteen ESPN2 Series events will be nationally qualified and will receive information about the ESPN National Championship being held November 21st in Redondo Beach, California (10 miles south of Los Angeles). Guidelines There are three rounds at all of the Regional Pageants, ESPN2 Series, and the ESPN National Championship: Fitness Round: 40% of Score The judges will be looking for style, personality, athletic coordination and overall performance. Contestants should give special attention to their apparel since it too will be judged. Routines may include aerobics, dance, gymnastics or other demonstrations of athletic talent, but there are no required body moves. Props are allowed but must be approved two weeks in advance by sending a photo to the Pageant office. Routines must be under two minutes and once begun cannot be repeated. Music should be professionally recorded. Swimsuit Round: 40% of Score: The judges will analyze body shape, symmetry, skin tone and complexion, poise, presentation and overall performance. Judging will be based both on individual and group comparison rounds. Contestants may be selected to appear on national television, therefore G-string and thong type swimwear is not allowed. Both one and two piece suits are required. Interview Round: 20% of Score: Each judge will ask one contestant among the Top 5 finalists a question concerning her background, outlook about various aspects of life and attitudes concerning health and fitness lifestyles. General Contest Information Contestants must wear high heels in the Swimsuit round and tennis or athletic shoes in the Fitness round. No bare feet during the Fitness Round. Jewelry may not be worn during any part of the competition. Because of the danger of slippage both on and off stage, no body oil is allowed. No G-string or thong swimsuits or costumes will be allowed. Sound contestant character is essential for a professional fitness Pageant. Exhibition of poor sportsmanship will be ground for automatic disqualification. Because of the limited dressing round space at Pageant venues, no assistants or trainers will be allowed backstage. Some of the regional Pageants and all ESPN2 Saturday Night Series events will feature complimentary hair dressing services available and our courteous staff will be available at all times to service any special needs. Contestants may enter as many regional Pageants as they wish. However, a regional Pageant winner may not enter another event during the same year, but of course, is allowed to compete in the ESPN 2 Series, and the ESPN National Championship. Judging Integrity The judges are respected regional experts in the area of fitness and exercise, apparel fashion, cosmetology, and accomplished talent, modeling and acting agencies. They will be completely independent entities and not involved in the operation or promotion of the event. Publicity and Awards The Top 5 finalists at each regional Pageant are also eligible to compete in the ESPN National Championship. In addition, they may be featured on ESPN in highlight coverage of regional Pageants, including Fitness and Swimwear rounds. All contestants at the ESPN 2 Series will be featured in one of the 15 special television shows, each limited to five contestants per show. The top 2 finalists from each show will qualify for the ESPN National Championships. The Fitness American Pageant National Championship will be televised as a two hour ESPN special in the fall. Also, the Pageant will be broadcast in over 50 countries. Over $50,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to the winners, including commercial and modeling contracts, trips to Hawaii, a national publicity tour campaign, and national and worldwide magazine editorials and pictorials.